The Facts: The final interview Gronkowski did this week, with NFL Network, included one last question about retirement. To which Gronkowski responded, "Yes. No. Maybe so." Then laughed. Speculation that the future Hall of Famer is playing his last game will linger, but this much is clear: Gronkowski is healthier now than he was at almost any other point this season. Sources say Gronk is feeling 100 percent after battling injuries for most of the season.

Diehards Line:As NFL Network's Ian Rapoport recounted, first, in Week 5, he was dealing with Achilles tendonitis, sources said, an ailment officially listed as an ankle that zapped some of his explosiveness. A back injury then came in Week 7. Sources tell Rapoport he he had a bulging disc in his back that further worked to slow Gronkowski down. It took him more than a month to show signs of recovery and in Week 15 he was finally off the report, only to return for Week 16. No wonder his numbers are down overall. Gronkowski hasn't been on the injury report during the playoffs, and it's no surprise that he played one of his best games in the AFC title game based on blocking and clutch catches. ... As for possible retirement? Appearning with the FootballDiehards on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio Saturday night, Boston Herald staffer Kevin Duffy predicted Gronk will ultimately call it a career -- whether the Patriots beat the Rams or not. Expect Gronk, however, to take some time to work it through. And we'll obviously be following up on that as needed.